"There is no possibility of resignation by Bhandari and Sah," the source told Republica when asked if the prime minister would meet the demands of the opposition. [break]
The opposition -- NC, CPN-UML and other parties -- has been demanding that the prime minister sack Bhandari and Sah and parties even obstructed parliamentary proceedings. Bhandari is under controversy for public remarks undermining national integrity while Sah has been accused of masterminding the murder of Kashi Tiwari of Birgunj in 2010.
Asked why the prime minister told CPN-UML leaders that he would respond positively to their demand for the ministers´ resignation, the source said, "The situation required him to give a diplomatic answer," the source said on condition of anonymity.
During the meeting with CPN-UML leaders, the prime minister had told them that he would take a positive step to address the demands of the opposition and media for the sacking of the controversial ministers.
The source hinted that the government would be in trouble if the prime minister takes action against Bhandari. "He has to make a choice between the government and action against Bhandari," the source said, adding that the prime minister shares the opposition view that Bhandari´s public remarks were wrongful.
The source further said, "How can the prime minister ask Bhandari, who is like his crutch, to step down?"
The Maoist parliamentary board on Thursday had also concluded that Bhandari should be sacked but had defended Sah, a Maoist.
Sah is the only seniormost Madhesi leader loyal to the Bhattarai camp within the Maoist party.
The source said the issue of the two ministers has put the government in a tight spot. "The issue has been like hot milk that can neither be swallowed nor held in the mouth."
Related story
Aarti Sah death case: Husband Motibabu arrested
-1778746562.webp)
